This MDA SBIR Phase I program has been designed to demonstrate cost-effective procedures to produce high purity, multi-constituent and rare earth containing nanopowders additives. Electronic component manufacturers use powder additives to tailor device performance, reduce sintering temperatures, and enable the sintering of nickel electrode containing parts in reducing atmospheres. These multi-constituent powders, that often contain rare earth elements, must be pure and preferably, very small. The powders must also be inexpensive to gain acceptance in this cost-sensitive industry. Todays commercial nanopowder synthesis techniques cannot produce these multi-constituent, electronic grade nanopowders in large volumes and at low prices. The proposed SBIR program will employ a combustion synthesis technique to produce a porous and very high surface area crystalline material. Advanced grinding techniques will then be used to break down the foam-like combustion reactant into nanopowder. If successfully demonstrated and developed this innovation can provide industrial users a source of sub $100/kg (for common elements) multi-constituent nanopowders. The low cost nanopowders will enable continued advancements in the miniaturization and reliability of ceramic capacitors, other passive electronic components, and applications that require similar nanopowders. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: Passive electronic component manufactures use complex, multi-constituent, and rare earth containing additive powders in their manufacturing processes. The process is also amenable for makings powders used in luminescent applications, high temperature superconductors, and related applications.
Keywords: Nanopowders, Passive Components, Additives, Dopants, Combustion, Grinding
